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[weslong]

Aug 20, 2008, 4:08pm, ggalen wrote:Aug 20, 2008, 3:41pm, weslong wrote:... I think most newer genres are actually just mish-mash of older ones. Take an old genre, add a new twist and they call it a 'new genre.Wes,I totally agree with you. Music changes by mixing up existing styles. Example: The Police added reggae to rock/new wave...Bam! A new style.And the reason that music changes in these familiar twists is that people just don't enjoy totally unfamiliar musical styles. They have to relate it to something they like already and feel the new as a "variation".Also, I think another big issue is that people confuse 'style' with 'genre'. They are not the same beast, right? 'Genre' is simply the root music form with it's own unique characteristics- chords, transitions, structure, melodies, beats, etc. 'Style' refers more to how that particular genre is being played (i.e. A jazz piece with a guitar solo played in the style of Guns-n-Rose's Slash.) The genre didn't change but the guitar player adapted Slash's technique to the solo piece which added some new elements which are normally found outside of jazz. Where as 'fusion' would be taking two distinct 'genres' and merging them together, which is not the same thing as merging two styles together. Yes, no, maybe?If my assessment is incorrect concerning 'genre' and 'style', please pipe in and help me out here. I don't want to go around giving wrong ideas....

[ggalen]

Wes,Actually, I was using style and genre interchangeably. I really don't know if there is a commonly accepted difference between the two.

[hummingbird]

Aug 20, 2008, 5:31pm, rfrey wrote:I've been reading this thread for that past couple of days and found it most interesting. It really has shown the true character of all involved, and its refreshing to see the good nature of the members of this forum. I've seen other forums where someone who complains a bit or something, gets totally slammed. That didn't happen to much here, or when it did it seemed in good fun, to make a point. As far as helpfulness in this forum, I wonder if there a few more like myself that are a bit shy to offer advice for fear of not feeling qualified and steering someone in the wrong direction. I think I have become a bit complacent by letting the experts in this forum give the real solid advice. Input is input and is all good. That being said, I am going to make a better effort to not be so shy and offer more input. Good post Richard. I agree, input is input and I've found value in feedback from beginning songwriters and professionals as well. Everyone has a unique perspective.

[weslong]

Aug 20, 2008, 5:51pm, ggalen wrote:Wes,Actually, I was using style and genre interchangeably. I really don't know if there is a commonly accepted difference between the two.I think you might be right there. According to Evil Google, the definition for 'genre' is:A category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content.For me,I always understood that style reffered to the unique characteristics that a player brings to a session based on his/her influences.I could be wrong. The industry does have an annoying habit of skewing things in the course of marketing/promotion. A really good example is the category "Alternative". Originally, this meant any music not associated with the mainstream and was usually only heard on niche radio stations and sold in off-beat record venues. The kind of stuff that would make the average person go "Huh? never heard of it". But the industry thought it would be a great money-maker and bring it mainstream so technically it is no longer 'Alternative'.

[weslong]

OriginalAlimony-Sorry, didn't mean to go 'off-topic' and hijack your thread. I moved the discussion to another thread.Thanks for coming by and checking my song, by the way. When I'm back in Shanghai, I'll be able to go start checking out other people's stuff. I'd like to check your songs and see what you're doing!

[anne]

Quote:I wonder if there a few more like myself that are a bit shy to offer advice for fear of not feeling qualified and steering someone in the wrong direction. I know that I always feel that way, even when its a topic I know well. I'm sure we are not alone, and helping others makes me research what I say and be sure its correct. That way we all benefit together.

[tomaragon]

OriginalAlimony:This forum can be whatever it is you make of it.When you join in and offer constructive criticism and helpful advice to others, they reciprocate. There are a lot of talented, knowledgeable, and helpful folks here.I guess pokin' the bear is the one approach that has worked for you,so keep in mind, what you put in.................is what you get out. Or as some old hippies once said.................."And in the end, the love we take will be equal to the love we make"

[arkjack]

Wow man.... like sorry I missed most of this thread, I was out doing bongs and taking some orange sunshine...... in my VW love van....... we wound up at a rock festival and protested the war, swam naked in the river, then smoked some more bongs..... I musta been totally out of it..... like really Hey man, I gotta go.... the drum solo to Inagadadavida is like outa site......ArkJack